Total Benefits

Return to work after retirement

After retiring from the UW, you can return to work at the University. While reemployment can be advantageous to both you and the UW, you’re not guaranteed to find a job, and you’ll have to follow the same application procedures as any other candidate.

The exact policies governing reemployment depend on which retirement plan you have.

Members of state DRS plans (PERS, TRS, SERS, LEOFF, or WSPRS)

If you have a retirement plan that’s managed by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS), state law and UW policy govern your reemployment.

Both state law and UW policy require that you follow all the normal UW procedures while applying for a job. You can’t, for example, make an agreement before retiring that stipulates that you’ll later return to work at UW. Also, while applying for reemployment at UW, you’re required by law to inform the UW that you are retired from a DRS plan.

Once you’re reemployed at UW, there are limits to the number of hours you can work. All PERS and TRS retirees are limited to 867 hours of employment. Once you reach your annual limit, you have to decide whether or not to continue working.

Benefits for re-employed DRS plan members

When you return to work at UW after retiring, you’re eligible to participate in Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) benefits if your new position meets PEBB eligibility rules. However, if you exceed the work-hour limits for your DRS plan, your pension may be temporarily suspended. In a benefits-eligible position, you may temporarily defer participation in the PEBB retiree health plan, if your previously enrolled in the PEBB retiree coverage.

UW Retirement Plan members

If you retired with the UW Retirement Plan (UWRP) and you want to return to work, UW policy governs your reemployment.

Once you’re reemployed at UW, there are limits to the number of hours you can work. You can’t work more than 40 percent of full time during any 12-month period (beginning July 1 and ending the following June 30). This applies to all positions at UW.

If you are a retired UW faculty member, please visit the website for academic human resources and see working after retirement.

Benefits for re-employed UWRP members

When you return to work at UW after retiring, you’re eligible to participate in PEBB benefits if your new position meets the PEBB eligibility rules Once you become PEBB benefits eligible, you can defer your PEBB retiree health plan, if you previously enrolled in this plan.

Social Security

If you are receiving Social Security payments, there may be a limit to what you can earn through active employment and still retain your full Social Security income. It is your responsibility to understand and keep track of potential income limitations. For further information, visit the official Social Security website.